Page 82 - CARIBE TOURIST GUIDE

Cahuita National Park
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Of the mammals common in coastal areas, the most representative species are the howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), the white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator), the red squirrel (Sciurus granatensis) and the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni). Raccoons (Procyon lotor), coatis (Nasua narica), and agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) are frequently sighted on the ground. In the branches of trees along the shores of lagoons, it is possible to observe rows of the proboscis bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) roosting during the day.
The diversity of fungi (macrofungi) recorded so far in Cahuita includes a total of 54 species, distributed in 37 genera and 20 families.
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Trails
Punta Cahuita Trail: runs parallel to the coast, between the northwest boundary of the park (Río Nelly Creek) and the Puerto Vargas beach sector. The first and most intensely used section of the trail is between the park boundary and the Río Suárez, with a distance of 1,500 meters. It allows visitors to enter the beach to enjoy swimming and leisure activities under the almendro de playa trees, or to sunbathe.
The next section of the trail, which is favored by visitors who like to walk and observe the landscape and biodiversity, runs between the Río Suarez and Punta Cahuita, with a distance of 2,334 m. A round trip from the entrance to Punta Cahuita therefore takes 7.2 km. In this part of the trail, you can observe the flora, fauna and landscape, since there are no suitable areas for beach activities. The last part of the trail runs parallel to the coast from Punta Cahuita to Punta Puerto Vargas, which is 2,100 m in length and is less intensely used. It crosses the tropical rainforest, where you can observe a stand of Sangrillo and exuberant stands of trees.
Visitors to the park can play beach sports or hike along the trail, or simply go for a swim or soak in the sun on the beach.
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